World · Middle East · 8 hrs ago
Trump pauses plans for new Iran strikes but keeps Hormuz blockade
Donald Trump says the US will pause plans for new strikes on Iran after regional countries urged restraint.
He made the announcement after meeting Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Washington.
Qatar has helped carry messages between Washington and Tehran and is again trying to bridge their differences.
The US will keep its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway where attacks on tankers have continued.
Iran’s proposed deal would require the US to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, ease some sanctions and stop bombing; Tehran would then end its own blockade of the strait.
The US has rejected Iran’s terms, and officials say a diplomatic breakthrough does not appear imminent.
Fighting and uncertainty continue, and no further steps toward an agreement have been confirmed.
US President Donald Trump said on Nov. 9 that he would hold off on new military strikes against Iran for the time being.
He said he was responding to appeals from regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Trump said the US would keep its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in place.
The announcement followed Trump’s meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who has helped mediate between Washington and Tehran.
The pause in new strikes comes as attacks continue and the US and Iran remain far apart on terms for ending the conflict.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump announced the decision. Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, had urged restraint.
- What
- Trump said the US would hold off on new strikes against Iran for now but keep its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
- When
- Nov. 9, 2026.
- Where
- Trump made the announcement in Washington after meeting Qatar’s prime minister at the White House.
- Why
- Trump said regional countries had asked the US not to launch new attacks.
United States
Iran
Terms for ending the conflict
United States
The US has rejected Iran’s proposal, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio called its conditions unrealistic.
Iran
Iran has proposed that the US lift its blockade of Iranian ports, remove some sanctions and stop bombing, in return for Iran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Talks
United States
Trump said the US would hold off on new strikes, but Rubio said he did not expect a diplomatic breakthrough soon.
Iran
Iranian security council chief Mohsen Rezaei urged the US to accept Iran’s stated conditions and disputed claims about talks.
Trump launched the conflict alongside Israel, according to the article.
Qatar’s prime minister visited Tehran.
Trump met Qatar’s prime minister and said the US would hold off on new strikes for the time being.
Iranian state media reported a US strike on Iran’s Qeshm island.
- US president
- Donald Trump
- Announcement
- Nov. 9, 2026
- Regional countries cited
- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait
- Blockade
- US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to remain in place
- Qatari prime minister
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani
2 sources
What people are saying
The United States of America is fully locked and loaded with the best equipment ever made, and we don’t think there’s going to be any reason to use it.
Grateful for the positive discussions on reaching a deal and bringing peace to the region.
outrageous and ridiculous, and really not realistic
We should... prepare for a long period of uncertainty in which neither a decisive resolution nor stable regional order can be taken for granted